Ambien can be very effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia. It can help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and not awaken prematurely. If taken as prescribed, Ambien can give you the good night's sleep your body demands without lingering drowsiness the following day.

Sonata (zaleplon) is the latest medication in sleep treatment for patients who have short-term or transient insomnia. Only Sonata can be taken at bedtime or later, after patients have tried to fall asleep on their own. Patients need to remain in bed 4 or more hours before becoming active again.